BAGUIO CITY — A blue crown, a renewed purpose, and an advocacy rooted in personal experience.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2026, Cristeta Longey was formally presented as the appointed Miss World Philippines Baguio 2027 at Abong by Rikito’s Restaurant in Baguio City.
The occasion was particularly meaningful for Longey, a survivor of clinical depression who is now using her platform to advocate for mental health, particularly among abused and abandoned children, through her initiative, Project Hilom.
Having joined other beauty pageants in the past, Longey shared that her eyes have long been set on the Miss World Philippines title because of the organization’s strong Beauty with a Purpose platform.
“The Miss World platform is not just showcasing intelligence and confidence, but also showcasing our heart through advocacy. I do hope to bring my advocacy on mental health to the national stage. I am very grateful to my team that they’re the ones who helped me open the door na makarating sa part na ito, na I am now Miss World Philippines Baguio 2027,” Longey shared.
From personal battles to a purposeful advocacy
Longey’s journey toward the crown has not been without difficulties.
During the press presentation, she reflected on the personal battles she faced earlier this year, sharing how these experiences taught her valuable lessons about standing up for herself, recognizing her worth, and learning to prioritize her own well-being.
“Pour your own cup,” she said, reflecting on the importance of caring for oneself even while pursuing the responsibility of helping others.
Despite the challenges, Longey remains grateful for the people who have stood beside her, including the sisterhood she formed with her fellow candidates during her previous Miss Benguet pageant journey.
Returning to the pageant spotlight requires courage and sacrifice, but for Longey, the opportunity to advance Project Hilom gives her a reason to pursue the Miss World Philippines stage.
Through her advocacy, she hopes to help address the stigma surrounding mental health while extending support to children who have experienced abuse and abandonment.
Her personal experience with clinical depression has also shaped her understanding of the importance of creating spaces where people can openly discuss their mental health without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Beauty with a Purpose: Beyond awareness
Mental health also became a central topic during the presentation, particularly in the message delivered by Cheska Verzosa, Advocacy and Impact Manager, who also shared her personal experience of overcoming mental health challenges.
Verzosa emphasized that raising awareness is only the beginning. Advocacy must translate into concrete action and measurable social impact.
Her message was especially relevant as the event coincided with World Mental Health Day, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing efforts to support mental health care.
This message resonates with Longey’s vision for Project Hilom.
For Longey, the challenge is to bring these conversations beyond the pageant stage and into communities where they can make a difference.
Her advocacy also reflects the broader purpose of Miss World Philippines, where candidates are encouraged to develop initiatives that address pressing social concerns and create lasting benefits for their chosen communities.
A Message to Her Younger Self
During the press presentation, the NorthCon team asked her, Longey was also asked what she would tell her nine-year-old self.
Her response reflected the personal journey behind the crown and offered a message of encouragement to young people who may be experiencing their own struggles.
“Keep dreaming, and if things get hard, remember that you are not alone and things will always get better. Take things one step at a time,” she answered.
Her words echoed the message at the heart of her advocacy: that children facing difficult circumstances deserve encouragement, understanding, and the assurance that they do not have to navigate their challenges alone.
As Longey prepares for the Miss World Philippines 2027 national competition, she hopes to carry not only Baguio City’s name but also a purpose rooted in her personal experiences and her desire to help others.
Carrying Baguio’s legacy to the national stage
As a proud Igorota, Longey is preparing to represent Baguio City and her fellow kakailians on one of the country’s most prestigious pageant stages.
She follows a remarkable example set by fellow Baguio representative Krishnah Marie Gravidez, who won Miss World Philippines 2024 and went on to finish in the Top 8 at Miss World 2025 in India, earning the continental title Miss World Asia 2025.
Gravidez also made her mark through her Beauty with a Purpose initiative, Color the World with Kindness, which supported early childhood education and families in Baguio City.
The national crown is currently held by Asia Rose Simpson, who represented Quezon City and won Miss World Philippines 2026.
Simpson also earned the Beauty with a Purpose and Talent Challenge awards, demonstrating how advocacy and talent remain central to the competition. Her SED initiative promotes the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of young people through sports and dance.
These achievements provide inspiration for Longey as she prepares to bring her own story and advocacy to the national stage.
A new chapter for Miss World Philippines Baguio
The local organization is led by Maya Ngolab Orr, Local Director and Franchise Holder, alongside Michael Patacsil, Managing Director and Sponsorship Head.
Patacsil has also been involved in preparing Baguio beauty queens, including Gravidez, contributing to the city’s growing presence in national pageantry.
With Longey’s appointment, the organization continues its efforts to develop representatives who embody not only confidence and beauty but also a genuine commitment to community involvement.
The next Miss World Philippines coronation night is scheduled for February 25, 2027, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, where representatives from across the country will compete for the national crown.
For Longey, the journey ahead is not simply about following in the footsteps of previous titleholders. It is about making her own contribution through Project Hilom and using the visibility of the Miss World Philippines platform to help children whose experiences and struggles deserve to be heard.
Her return to pageantry is also a reflection of the lessons she has learned through her own challenges, particularly the importance of standing up for oneself, embracing the support of others, and finding reasons to remain grateful.
And as she prepares to wear Baguio City’s sash on the national stage, Longey carries a message that goes beyond beauty: mental health advocacy must be accompanied by compassion, commitment, and action.
